All sixth grade students who reside in Fayette, Lavaca & Colorado counties were invited to participate in an essay contest celebrating dads and father-figures. The topic was: What makes my dad so great and why he should be awarded a beef gift certificate. The Navidad Valley CattleWomen have conducted this contest for seven years now, and awarded the following prizes: 1st prize - $50 beef gift certificate, 2nd prize - $30 beef gift certificate, and 3rd prize -$20 beef gift certificate. The essays were to be no fewer than 50 words and no more than 250 words and needed to be solely the work of the entrant. Both Shiner and Schulenburg 6th grade classes have made it a tradition to complete these essays as part of their school work, and regularly see winners selected. The essays were judged on both style and content. The winner this year was Joshua Roscher, a 6th grader at Sacred Heart Catholic School. His Dad is Glen Roscher, and Joshua wrote that “I truly hope I can be half the man he is someday." He highlighted that his dad works hard, finds the time to spend with his family, is never too tired for a hug, cares for his parents and is always there. He concluded with the highest compliment, "Thanks and I love you."

The second place essay came from Shiner Elementary student Lakin Seymour. Her father, Kenneth Wright, was honored for saying "I'm not here to be your friend, I am here to lead you in the right direction." Lakin commented that she tries to do the same thing for her friends by leading them in the right direction. The third place recipient was Angela Moeller who wrote that her Dad worries about being the best Dad he can be. She was honored when her parents adopted her and her two siblings at one time "with no experience. It was probably a really big challenge." All of the essays highlighted how fathers and father-figures are so critical in these kids lives and the Navidad Valley CattleWomen are honored to recognize that each year.